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Women's Rights Were 'On the Brink'

Submitted by Siyuan Li on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 08:52

In June 28th, 2016, historic decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt rescued from the brink women’s constitutional right to obtain a safe and legal abortion. It’s a victory and reaffirmation of more protections of abortion rights.Women's rights are on the brink because Texas politicians used deceptive means to deny women what the Constitution protects. In 2013 Texas enacted HB2, a sweeping law packed with targeted attacks singling out abortion clinics for crippling and unjustified requirements, such as overhauling their facilities to become mini-hospitals. HB2 had already devastated abortion services in the state, shuttering more than half of the 40-plus clinics that once served Texas women. Women's abortion rights are limited due to the close of clinics.

Abortion right for women had begun to be a question since 1911, when book "What Every Girl should Know" was published by Margaret Sanger. She introduced the idea of birth control and the right of women to control their body. She was arrested by police for distributing birth control, and her publication of sexual education newspaper were considered pornography. In 1960s, the second wave of feminist movement started after civil rights movement. The cultural war began between liberalism and conservatism—is abortion appropriate, or should women be given the right for abortion? In Christianity, abortion is seen as a blasphemous behavior. However, women should have the right to control their body. Their rights of abortion should and must be protected by states and laws. When human rights conflict with culture and tradition, human rights should be considered prior because it is the basis of human beings. If women cannot even get rights to control their bodies, how can women be required to follow their religion? The right of abortion is not just about protection and obligation, but also dignity and responsibility. Therefore, when conventional culture collides with human rights, the latter should be prior.

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Abortion right for women had begun to be a question since 1911, the year when "What Every Girl should Know" published by Margaret Sanger. She introduced the idea of birth control and the right of women to control their body. She was arrested by police for distributing birth control later. In 1960s, the second wave of feminist movement started after civil rights movement. The cultural war began between liberalism and conservatism—is abortion right, or should women be given the right for abortion? In Christianity, abortion is seen as a blasphemous behavior. However, women should have the right to control their body. When human rights conflict with culture and tradition. Which one should be considered prior?